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Key Facts: PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep 2026 Bank

40%

Numbers & Operations

PDE Grade 3 Weights

20%

Algebraic Concepts

PDE Grade 3 Weights

20%

Geometry

PDE Grade 3 Weights

20%

Data Analysis

PDE Grade 3 Weights

en / es

Languages Available

PDE Official Accommodations

The PSSA Grade 3 Math exam measures 3rd grade student proficiency across PA Core Mathematics standards. It includes 40% numbers and operations (place value up to 1000, multiplication/division, unit fractions), 20% algebraic concepts (patterns, equations, multi-step word problems), 20% geometry (2D shapes, perimeter, area), and 20% data analysis (pictographs, bar graphs, line plots). Test forms are offered in English and Spanish.

Sample PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is 384 rounded to the nearest ten?
A.380
B.390
C.400
D.370
Explanation: To round 384 to the nearest ten, look at the digit in the ones place, which is 4. Since 4 is less than 5, we round down, keeping the tens digit as 8 and changing the ones digit to 0. So, 384 rounded to the nearest ten is 380.
2What is the value of the digit 7 in the number 742?
A.7
B.70
C.700
D.7,000
Explanation: In the number 742, the digit 7 is in the hundreds place. Its value is 7 hundreds, which equals 700.
3Which comparison symbol correctly completes the statement: 539 ___ 593?
A.>
B.<
C.=
D.+
Explanation: Compare the hundreds place first: both numbers have 5 hundreds. Next compare the tens place: 539 has 3 tens while 593 has 9 tens. Since 3 tens is less than 9 tens, 539 is less than 593, written as 539 < 593.
4What is the expanded form of the number 608?
A.600 + 80
B.600 + 8
C.60 + 8
D.6 + 0 + 8
Explanation: The expanded form shows a number broken down by the value of each digit. 608 has 6 hundreds (600), 0 tens (0), and 8 ones (8). Therefore, 608 = 600 + 8.
5What is 650 rounded to the nearest hundred?
A.600
B.650
C.700
D.800
Explanation: To round 650 to the nearest hundred, look at the digit in the tens place, which is 5. When the tens digit is 5 or greater, round up to the next hundred. 600 rounds up to 700.
6Find the sum: 245 + 138
A.373
B.383
C.378
D.385
Explanation: Add the ones: 5 + 8 = 13 (write 3, carry 1 ten). Add the tens: 4 + 3 + 1 = 8 tens. Add the hundreds: 2 + 1 = 3 hundreds. 245 + 138 = 383.
7What is 500 - 236?
A.264
B.274
C.364
D.266
Explanation: Regroup across zeros: 500 becomes 4 hundreds, 9 tens, and 10 ones. Subtract ones: 10 - 6 = 4. Subtract tens: 9 - 3 = 6. Subtract hundreds: 4 - 2 = 2. Result: 264.
8What is the product of 6 and 7?
A.36
B.42
C.48
D.49
Explanation: The product of 6 and 7 means 6 groups of 7, which equals 42 (6 x 7 = 42).
9An array has 4 rows with 8 dots in each row. How many total dots are in the array?
A.12
B.24
C.32
D.36
Explanation: An array with 4 rows and 8 items in each row represents the multiplication expression 4 x 8. 4 x 8 = 32.
10What is 36 divided by 4?
A.8
B.9
C.12
D.7
Explanation: 36 ÷ 4 asks how many groups of 4 make 36. Since 4 x 9 = 36, 36 ÷ 4 = 9.

About the PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics Exam

The PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics examination evaluates elementary student mastery of the Pennsylvania Core Standards for Grade 3 Math. Administered annually by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the assessment covers four reporting domains: Numbers and Operations (40%), Algebraic Concepts (20%), Geometry (20%), and Data Analysis and Probability (20%). Official test accommodations include bilingual English/Spanish (en/es) test forms for qualifying English Learners.

Exam sponsor: Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and DRC. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Two sections of 24 multiple-choice/technology-enhanced items and 2 open-ended items each, reported across four categories: Numbers and Operations, Algebraic Concepts, Geometry, and Data Analysis and Probability.

Time Limit

Untimed; PDE's test design plans two sections with an estimated 78 minutes of testing each. Delivered online only beginning with the Spring 2026 administration.

Passing Score

Proficient performance level on PDE scaled score report

Exam / Certification Fees

$0 (Public School State Assessment)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Varies by Pennsylvania school district (PDE annual reporting). Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

40%

Numbers and Operations

Place value, rounding to 10 and 100, addition and subtraction within 1,000, multiplication and division basic facts up to 100, unit fractions, and number line representation.

20%

Algebraic Concepts

Arithmetic sequences, function tables, unknown variables in equations, and multi-step word problems involving four basic operations.

20%

Geometry

Properties of 2D shapes, quadrilaterals, perimeter calculations, and area measurement by tiling and multiplication.

20%

Data Analysis and Probability

Interpretation and creation of pictographs, single/scaled bar graphs, line plots with fractional measurements, and frequency tables.

Preparing for the PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Proficient performance level on PDE scaled score report
  • Assessment: Two sections of 24 multiple-choice/technology-enhanced items and 2 open-ended items each, reported across four categories: Numbers and Operations, Algebraic Concepts, Geometry, and Data Analysis and Probability.
  • Time limit: Untimed; PDE's test design plans two sections with an estimated 78 minutes of testing each. Delivered online only beginning with the Spring 2026 administration.
  • Exam / certification fees: $0 (Public School State Assessment) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master single-digit multiplication and division facts up to 100 to build calculation fluency.
2Practice rounding 3-digit numbers to the nearest 10 and nearest 100 using number lines.
3Understand unit fractions (1/b) and partition shapes into equal parts with correct fraction labels.
4Solve two-step word problems by writing clear equation steps and checking reasonableness.
5Distinguish clearly between perimeter (distance around a shape) and area (square units inside).
6Read key scales carefully on pictographs and bar graphs before calculating totals or differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics assessment?

The PSSA Grade 3 Mathematics assessment is Pennsylvania's statewide standardized exam for third-grade students. Developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), it measures student proficiency against the Pennsylvania Core Standards for Grade 3 Math.

What topics are covered on the PSSA Grade 3 Math exam?

The exam covers four reporting categories: Numbers and Operations (40%), Algebraic Concepts (20%), Geometry (20%), and Data Analysis and Probability (20%). Key topics include place value up to 1,000, multiplication and division facts up to 100, unit fractions, two-step word problems, perimeter, area, 2D shapes, bar graphs, line plots, and pictographs.

Are calculators allowed on the PSSA Grade 3 Math exam?

No, per Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines, Grade 3 PSSA Mathematics is a non-calculator assessment to ensure students demonstrate core computational fluency.

Is the PSSA Grade 3 Math exam available in Spanish?

Yes. PDE provides Spanish-side-by-side translated versions and accommodations for eligible English Learners (ELs) taking the Grade 3 Mathematics assessment.

How is the PSSA Grade 3 Math exam scored?

Student performance is reported in four performance levels: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic. The state benchmark objective is for students to achieve Proficient or Advanced.

How can students best prepare for the PSSA Grade 3 Math test?

Students should practice core Grade 3 skills daily, including multiplication/division facts, place value rounding, word problem solving, fraction identification on number lines, perimeter/area calculations, and graph reading using authentic PA Core practice questions.